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Before having my son, I registered for this product. Then when all the baby gear started rolling in, I thought to myself, I’m never going to use this, and it was bulkier than I imagined. This version looks to be a little bit more streamlined than the one I have. Despite my initial reaction, I actually am finding it extremely useful, and I use it every time I use a cart at a store. I keep it in the trunk of my car and break it out along with my reusable bags. I really am so far from a germophobe, but because I let my son snack in the cart and food falls near him and then he picks it up and eats it, not to mention the times I’ve turned around and his mouth is literally trying to latch onto the cart handle, it gives me a little piece of mind. The cover is $25 at Amazon and is eligible for Prime and free returns. Skip Hop Cart and High Chair CoverSales of note for 4.18.24
(See all of the latest workwear sales at Corporette!)
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And — here are some of our latest threadjacks of interest – working mom questions asked by the commenters!
- If you’re a working parent of an infant with low sleep needs, how do you function at work when you’re in the throes of baby’s sleep regression?
- Should I cut my childcare down to 12 hours a month if I work from home?
- Will my baby have speech delays if we raise her bilingual?
- Has anyone given birth in a teaching hospital?
- My child eats everything, and my friends’ kids do not – how should I handle? In general, what is the best way to handle when your child has some skill/ability and your friend’s child doesn’t have that skill/ability?
- ADHD moms, give me your tips to help with things like behavior in the classroom, attention to detail, etc?
- I think I suffer from mom rage…
- My husband and kids are gone this weekend – how should I enjoy my free time?
- I’m struggling to be compassionate with a SAHM friend who complains she doesn’t have enough hours of childcare.
- If you exclusively formula fed, what tips do you have for in the hospital and coming home?
- Could I take my 4-yo and 8-yo on a 7-8 day trip to Paris, Lyon, and Madrid?
Belly Binder says
3 days PP and my belly bandit that I loved from my last pregnancy is driving me bonkers. Anyone used a binder recently they really liked? Extra points for breathable fabrics… having a baby in May in the south is a bit different from January.
Patty Mayonnaise says
I really liked Bellefit! Though not sure they’re more breatheable…
Anonymous says
I think I AM a germaphobe, but I have this and really like it.
Anonymouse says
We have this too, and it’s useful for both the grocery carts and restaurant high chairs while they are in the chew everything stage. It doesn’t fit the Costco mega carts, which is a bummer. And because it has very little padding, my little guy had trouble with it in larger restaurant high chairs when he was just sitting up and could have used a little more support. The little loops on it so you can attach toys are helpful. Warning – when we wanted a second one (to have in each car), I tried to save a few $ buying used, and the elastic on the little pouch is shot so it constantly falls out. You can find them on sale though in discontinued patterns either at Skiphop or BBB.
shortperson says
we have lots of allergic people in my family so i worry much more about allergies than germs. so i try to welcome germs to my kids’ immune systems. i would not use one of these and i encourage my kids to do stuff like eat something they dropped in a cart. or on the floor at home. or on the ground at the farmers market. my kids go to daycare and rarely get sick.
MomAnon4This says
I’ve never used one of these and 2 out 3 kids are allergic to foods! Who knows.
Fallen says
I am moving cross-country June 1st with two kiddos, and my mom has offered to take my oldest kiddo, age 6, for the month of June (she works so she would send her to camp during the work day) so that I can focus on moving and be with my youngest (he is 11 months). I am torn bc being a month away from my oldest sounds rough and it would be nice to explore town with the two while I have a month before I begin a new job. I also know that I get super stressed out when alone with two for long periods of time, which would be the case at least until our nanny starts closer to the end of June (husband works BigLaw type hours). My oldest would have a blast at my parents (they would spoil her like crazy and have a pool etc) but it would also be nice for her to enjoy going on a ton of outings with me and baby. What would you do? I am leaning towards not taking them up on their offer but husband thinks I should bc I always become a mess when alone with two for weeks on end. I was thinking a shorter time but the timing makes sense bc they are thinking of visiting us July 4th weekend.
Cb says
I think you should do it – this could be a huge weight off you and your daughter could really come to cherish those memories. I’d see though if you could finagle some solo time with your daughter once you’ve moved though – take her to a hotel over night and swim in the pool and order room service ice cream.
Anonymous says
I would probably just make a shorter time period work.
Anonymous says
Do a shorter time or not at all. That’s such a long time for such a little one. Either they can make a shorter trip work or you can make do. I think it would really be very upsetting to a 6 year old to be sent away for that long and basically never get to return to his home because you moved. See if there’s a day camp in your new town for your 6 year old or join the FB moms group for new town and see about hiring a sitter or a mother’s helper if you want more support.
rosie says
I would try to explore ways to shorten the time. Even if you parents are planning to come for a visit July 4, could you pay for your mom to fly your older child to you mid-June, then fly her back, then they’d visit as planned July 4?
I think the grandparent time sounds really nice, but it sounds like your hesitant about the length of time (I would be, too). I think having some time where you’re not working and just get to take some time to settle in sounds nice. If you do have both kids with you for part or all of the time, maybe you can find a mother’s helper to assist a few hours here and there. Probably not a bad idea to expand your network of caregivers in a new place.
rosie says
And omg so many typos, spelling errors, etc. Sorry.
avocado says
Another vote for a shorter time period. Two weeks is probably the most I’d do at that age, and I seem to be an outlier in terms of sending kids away without parents (sent kid to sleepaway camp several years before any of her peers went, allow her to fly as an unaccompanied minor, etc.).
CPA Lady says
^ agree with this. I am all for sending kids to camp for extended periods of time (as a camp kid myself who had a wonderful magical experience going to camp), but a month is a lot for a 6 year old. I’d do 2 weeks, and only because it’s with grandparents.
NYCer says
I agree, 2 weeks would be the max I would do at age 6 with grandparents (would be less with anyone other than grandparents). A month is a long time.
TheElms says
I’m going to be the voice of dissent and say go for it. When I was going into first grade or second grade (so either 6 or 7) I went to live with my grandparents for a month or possibly 6 weeks in the summer and I loved it. They lived in a different country a 6 hour plane ride away. I certainly had seen them before that but I think at most it would have been twice a year for 1-2 weeks each time. So while I knew and loved them it wasn’t like a grandparent that I saw every week. I seem to recall that it happened because one parent had non-negotiable work travel to a different foreign country and the other parent had a very intense period at work coming up and was pretty much not going to see me. I think second parent’s job at that time involved weekly commuting to another city.
To make it work logistically, my parents paid for my nanny to fly out to my grandparents and I think she stayed with us the first week (since she also had family in the same country as my grandparents). Then I was with my grandparents for about 2-4 weeks and a parent joined for the last week and then we flew home together. I’m sure there were times I missed my parents, but I know I could call them on the phone, and I remember it being fun. I say if you think your oldest can handle it I would go for it. It will be really special for her to spend time like that with a grandparent.
And let’s just say it goes poorly either because you miss her too much or she is homesick. Could you just end the arrangement early? Sure that one weekend when you go get her might end up being a hassle but it also might never happen.
IHeartBacon says
Even as an adult, a month is a really long time to be away from anyone you love. I think it would be especially hard for a 6 year old, even more so because at the end of the month, she won’t be able to go back to the home she knew. I agree that she will probably have a great time hanging out with her grandparents and will likely enjoy camp very much. If you can afford to have your mom fly your daughter to your new home after 1-2 weeks, then maybe you can plan to have your daughter stay the full month, but have a plan in place for the early flight home in the event that she needs to come home. If the expense is prohibitive (neither you nor your parents can afford it), then I wouldn’t let your daughter stay behind.
SC says
I would do 2 weeks. At 8, I asked my parents to send me to sleep-away camp for a month and loved it (and went back for 4-6 weeks for the next 9 years). Even for me, 6 would have been too young for a full month. 6 is old enough to fly as an unaccompanied minor on a direct flight.
Woes says
Anyone else here get waitlisted for pre-k in NYC yesterday? I am honestly at a loss. Didn’t get in anywhere we applied and the accepted school is far, far in the opposite direction of work and basically impossible. And it has terrible marks. But putting that aside. Is there any hope? I feel like I’m flying totally blind here.
Anonymous says
Yeah lots and lots of movement on and off waitlists. Unpredictable process.
Woes says
Can you tell me more? I feel so blindsided and like I know nothing about what’s going on.
Anonymous says
It varies so much by neighborhood but we got into two schools off the waitlist and didn’t accept any pre-k spot, freeing up a waitlist spot for another kid.
Anonymous says
Meant to say, this was last year.
Annie says
I think you should hire a school consultant for next year. Crazy, I know, but everyone I know who has done it has been really happy with the results.
Anonymous says
wtf really??? NYC is cray.
Anonymous says
Just certain neighborhoods, perhaps including OP’s. I’m in NYC and got my top choice, as did all my friends in my neighborhood. .
Moving says
For various reasons I won’t go into in order to maintain anonymity, my husband and I are relocating our family in August. I am nearing the end of maternity leave and will soon be starting back in my role as a senior associate at my Big Law firm. I’m not sure when to tell partners and colleagues about my impending departure. Part of me thinks that I’m under no obligation to tell anyone until closer to our move date, but I wonder if it will seem a little dishonest getting staffed on complex ongoing matters knowing I’ll only be able to work on them for a few months. I want to continue to do interesting work for my last few months at a job I really love, and I also want to preserve connections and not burn any bridges. Maybe I’m overthinking, but I have never left a job that didn’t have a defined end date (semester, clerkship, fellowship, etc.), so this is new territory for me. Any advice and perspectives appreciated!
octagon says
I wouldn’t tell until a date where if you were escorted out, it wouldn’t be a disaster for your family. 2-4 weeks, but no longer.
anne-on says
+1. I gave notice (to go to a competitor) and was paid out my 2-weeks and accrued vacation time but left same day. It was a bit of a shock as I was in an internal facing role, and even my boss didn’t expect me to have to leave same day. My husband of course totally called it and was shocked I was shocked. Give the standard 2-weeks notice.
avocado says
+1. You don’t owe the firm anything other than two weeks’ notice and your ordinary good work up until you leave. Don’t leave until you leave. What if something goes wrong with the move or your husband’s job?
Several people in my organization have recently given notice several weeks or months before they left, and not once has this been a good thing. They invariably end up as lame ducks, with no one willing to give them work even though they could still contribute, and they check out mentally.
Anon says
Maybe I’m just lazy but this sounds great to me. I’m not OP obviously but if I could do way less work for the same paycheck for a month, sign me up. The lame duck period is the best part of changing jobs in my book.
Anonymous says
I think it’s not great and will be burning bridges. It’s nice you want to keep doing interesting work but honestly why should they give that to you when you’re quitting in just a couple of months? I think you tell them now and recognize you might not really get to come back.
Spirograph says
caveat: I am not a lawyer
I would probably tell in July, with 4-6 weeks notice. There’s always a chance that people will write you off a bit when you’re just back from maternity leave, and you don’t want to compound by advertising an end date from the get-go. Get back into the swing of things so that you still have interesting work until you leave, but give enough notice that you can have a smooth transition out.
FVNC says
I generally agree with the above, re: giving 2 weeks notice, but also — I think it may depend on your plans in your new location. Might you request to work as a remote employee for your current firm? If you think this is a possibility, I’d disclose sooner rather than later. What about going in-house? In my limited experience, firms tend to look more kindly on associates moving in-house, bc possibility of future business — in which case I wouldn’t worry much about when to give notice. Finally, do you have to go back at all? Obviously losing 3ish months of income may not be possible or desirable, but if you’ve got something lined up in your new location, then I’d be seriously tempted to have a summer to spend with the baby.
IHeartBacon says
I agree with all of this.
Anonymous says
I’m not sure I would bother coming back. Coming back to work, getting baby and everyone else accustomed to a new schedule that is then upended a couple months later sounds a bit stressful. Not impossible, but worth considering. When I was in a similar situation, I ended up quitting at the end of my leave (it was because of an unexpected move because of my husband’s job, similar to you — no bad feelings with the partners I worked for). I just took an extended maternity leave and worked on finding a new job, moving the family, finding a new house, etc., which was all quite a bit of work. Any chance you could speed up the move to make better use of your time?
Anon says
I went through this recently for a similar move, and the time between giving notice and actually leaving was honestly miserable. I was so grateful I only had the standard 2 weeks. I’ve kept in touch with the partners I worked for so I don’t think I burned any bridges. I wouldn’t advertise that you’ve known about this for months, and if they’re really in a jam you could offer to stay on a little while remotely.
I actually think long notice periods are really tough to navigate and can end up backfiring.
EarlyBird says
Has anyone in Houston used an agency to find a nanny they would recommend? I know there are several options in town, but I don’t know anyone who has used one to find out if they were happy with it.
AnonHtowner says
Hi! Houstonian here – currently not living there, unfortunately. Our friends there have used care.com and have been super happy. Not an original recommendation I know, but just some anecdata FYI.
EB says
Joanne at the village nanny is a wonderful person and incredibly helpful. Highly recommend.
Best age for Disney? says
If you were only going to do Disney once – what would you say the best age is for girls? I know that kids get different things out of it at different ages and stages, but what age do you think is most enjoyable for both kid and parents? (cost aside, i know it is free before age 3, but assuming that was not a factor)
Mrs. Jones says
At least 5 or 6 so they can ride most rides and remember the trip.
CPA Lady says
It depends on what kind of experience you want to have. If you want to go hard all day, ride all the rides, do all the stuff, probably in the 9-10 year old rage, once she’s tall enough to ride all the rides.
If you want it to be Magical because your kid still believes the princesses are real, probably 4. We just went to Disney World earlier this year, right around the time my daughter was 4.5 and it was wonderful. She’s not napping, she’s not having the kind of meltdowns she had when she was a toddler, she’s securely potty trained, and she GOT TO MEET CINDERELLA!!! She is tall enough to ride all but the bigger, more intense roller coasters (which she would not likely want to do anyway). We had a blast. But we didn’t stay in the park from open to close. We left by 5 p.m. each day.
Anonymous says
I agree with this based on someone else’s experience (I’m still waiting to take mine!): The blogger LagLiv took her kids when youngest (girl) was just 4 and her posts about it made me want to go. It was absolutely magical! It was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip but they ended up going to Disney land about 18 months after that trip and the magic was over (still fun but not MAGIC). If you want to look up her posts it was Thanksgiving week 2017 (I think). If I sound like a blog stalker…oops!
Boston Legal Eagle says
I haven’t been to Disney since having kids, but my coworker really enjoyed her trip with her then 5 (girl) and 7 (boy) year olds. Still into the princessy stuff, if that’s your daughter’s thing, and old enough to be out of the toddler/preschooler phase. I don’t think they’ve gone back since, so I’d say sometime in early elementary school would be great for a one-time trip.
SC says
6 or 7. Things are still magical and fun (even though they might not be true believers like they were at 3 and 4), but they’re tall enough to ride the rides and have enough energy to go all day without napping or completely melting down.
Anonymous says
We plan on taking our daughter back when she’s 5 or 6 and our son will be 3 or 4.
Anonymous says
My kiddo is 5.5 and 44”. We just went and she was in all her glory. I would say 5 isnthe low end of the *ideal* age.
Pros include: did not need a nap, 100% into all Disney Magic, still loves princesses/characters, tall enough for everything but 1-2 rides, don’t need a stroller, will eat Regular People Food.
We brought younger kids, and we took my oldest @ age 4 as well. This was 100x better.
AwayEmily says
Some travel logistic questions for any of you expert travelers who have a minute…we are taking a cross-country flight with a 3yo and a 18mo this summer. We will definitely need a car at our destination. I have so many questions! First, it’s probably worth buying two Cosco Scenera carseats and taking them with us instead of paying $$ for rentals, right? The 18mo will have his own seat…should we bring his carseat on board? Also, do you know if the “free stroller check” also applies to wagons? (we will be flying Air Canada if it matters). And finally, is it worth getting a CARES harness for the 3yo? Thank you in advance! I’m a little overwhelmed by all this, as we don’t travel much with our kids.
Anonymous says
I’d bring the carseat on board for the 18 month old, just to keep him still. I find 18-24 months to be the most difficult age to fly with, because they just don’t want to stay in the seat, and the lap belt does nothing to contain them (neither does CARES, they just slip out under the belt). We have a CARES harness and it’s OK, but I wouldn’t rebuy, it’s not really worth the price if you travel infrequently with kids.
You’ll be fine renting a carseat with your rental car if you don’t want to check one (and if it’s a shorter rental. I think they’re usually around $10/day). My husband flat out refuses to schlep multiple car seats through the airport, so we’ve rented lots of times and have always found the car seats to be in good shape. I recommend calling the rental office to confirm they have one and it’s the right size for a 3 year old.
AwayEmily says
so smart to think about renting ONE carseat rather than two; I’m not sure why I didn’t even consider that as an option. We’ll be there for six days so it actually is a long-ish rental, but I may be able to get a free one with my AAA membership.
Anonymous says
Yep, you get a free carseat with an AAA membership. Rental carseats can be kind of hit or miss, but if your 3-year-old is FF than it’s probably a reasonably safe bet you’ll get a carseat that will work. It is possible you’ll only be offered a booster, though, so that’s a risk you need to be aware of.
Pogo says
+1, contain the 18mo in the Cosco Scenera. That thing is so light and easy to use.
anon says
we have twins and just schlepped two peg perego convertible car seats through the airport and really didn’t think it was that bad. what do you use as your regular car seats? we got the travel bags that have wheels on the bottom and padding. we actually had enough extra space to pack all of the kids clothing in there and some extra diapers. they were a bit pricey, but we figure we will use them multiple times. i pushed twins in stroller (they cannot walk yet) while DH pulled car seats. we both had backpacks on our back. we did not use the carseats on board bc they were lap children, and i guess that would’ve been a bit more of a hassle, but from the schlepping perspective, that part was surprisingly doable.
AwayEmily says
Unfortunately our regular carseats are both massive — a Diono Radian and a Britax Marathon. Wheeled travel bags are an interesting idea tho — I’ll check that out. Thanks!
Anonymous says
Yup, same here. I love the Dionos as long as I don’t have to take them out of my car, but they are so. freaking. heavy.
Anonymous says
In your shoes I’d bring both Sceneras on board, because it will be awesome to have the 18-month-old in one and once you’re bringing one it’s honestly not any harder to bring two. I have twins so travel with 2 all the time and they stack really nicely, which means you can put 2 in one bag (wheeled or with backpack straps) or stacked on a luggage cart or in a wagon, both of which you can gate-check like a stroller. They’re also light enough that one parent can carry both in their arms down the aisle (while wearing a kid or backpack on your pack). CARES probably isn’t worth it for the reasons described above.
The one caveat is placement of carseats on the plane itself. If it’s a 3×3 seat configuration you’ll have to either do (window)-kid-kid-parent-(aisle) with the other parent either across the aisle or behind or two rows of (window)-kid-parent-stranger-(aisle).
I’ve had Air Canada hassle me about bringing on a carseat before, but just know that you are totally allowed to do it (and to RF your toddler if you want–a RF Scenera will fit even on the tiny AC planes!) and calmly reiterate that to any ticket agents/gate agents/flight attendants who ask you what you’re doing.
AwayEmily says
This is so useful — especially the specifics and the advice about my rights — thank you.
Pogo says
+1, there is also a sticker on the seat which states it is approved for use in aircraft. They are allowed to ask to see the sticker, but can’t deny you using the seat. Definitely have to put it in the window seat, though, because you can’t block someone’s egress
Anonymous says
Yes to window seat, but if you have 2 carseats you can do window and middle, which not every one knows.
Anonymous says
How big is your 3 year old? The height s d weight limit for the scenera is something like 40 lb / 40 in, which wouldn’t have worked for my son for most of 3. A lighter forward facing seat like a grace high back booster has been great.
Anonymous says
If your 3 yo is forward facing and 30 lbs, Cosco Finale is a good travel seat, too.
AwayEmily says
She’s 31lb, around 36 inches, and still rear-facing (though I’d be willing to put her forward-facing on the trip). But it’s a good point that she would outgrow the Scenera pretty fast so it might be worth getting something that we could use for longer.
Anonymous says
If she can fit in a RF Scenera and you’re thinking about bringing 2 seats through the airport, I’d stick with having 2 of the same because it’s much easier to carry. She’s probably outgrown the Scenera forward-facing in the car (in terms of her shoulders being above the highest level for the straps), but in your shoes I’d be fine with letting her use it forward-facing on the plane even if the straps aren’t technically correct.
Quail says
+1 My kid grew out of the Scenera around that age. The shoulder straps didn’t go up high enough. But there’s a bigger version that has worked really well.
FWIW, my kid was/is never that comfy in any of the Cosco seats. We have a diono radian at home and he doesn’t complain about that, but has about the Cosco seats. But still easier to have the seats ready to go and easy to carry, IMO, rather than a heavier brand or renting.
blueberries says
I’m a big advocate for hauling children’s regular massive carseats in backpack cases. For me, they’re they’re easier and quicker to install correctly than something I’ve never used (which is huge when managing kids after a flight) and I know they haven’t been in an accident.
Also, after a friend’s bad experience, I don’t want to rely on a car rental company to have the safest options for my kids (and don’t want to go less safe than usual when driving an unfamiliar car on unfamiliar roads).
Quail says
For the checking a wagon as a stroller – I’ve not tried that specifically, but I have tried to check a hiking carrier as a stroller and it’s worked 3/5 times. Worked all the time when I gate checked (i.e., carried kid in it to the gate). So it may depend on how persnickety the agent you get is.
Pogo says
+1 So much depends on your gate agent, but being friendly and calm goes such a long way – they are dealing with miserable cranky people all day, and they’re just trying to do their job. I had a lot of luck getting my son a seat when he was in a bucket even though we didn’t pay for it, just because I asked before boarding.
Katy says
I posted last week re: flying with 23 month old to Europe. In my discussions with AirCanada they specifically told me that under two in separate seat they require 5 point harness (i was confirming that we CAN be in exit room in the bulkhead section). This can be car seat or CARE harness. Based on other people’s experiences, I do not believe that this is enforced. We haven’t done it yet (only rented cars when still in bucket), but another friend was able to get FREE car seats renting cars in Ontario. A separate friend works in corporate for a rental car coming and i can tell you that they do not mess around with insurance stuff, which would give me comfort on the car seats. Finally i would add that if you do check your car seat and it doesn’t show up at the destination, Air Canada (at least domestically) will provide you will a car seat, in the box. My sister needed this so she could get home.
I know a lot of this doesn’t answer your specific questions….but i thought it might be helpful. Bottom line, if i were you i would bring at most 1 car seat for 18 month old with you. For 3 year old either check rental car availability / price before you totally discount that and check the car seat otherwise. I probably wouldn’t bother with CARE harness for 3 year old… but since you have a younger one you may get use out of it for a few years. Caveat – I HATE having tons of luggage etc. in the airport and I am guessing if you are truly flying cross country in Canada there are connections!
Also thanks everyone for thoughts…. we haven’t fully committed to car seat vs. harness for our trip but WILL be taking a car seat with us as rental is >$400.
AwayEmily says
I am so grateful for everyone’s helpful and super relevant advice. Final verdict: we will take the Cosco with us on the plane for the 18mo and get the Hertz/AAA free carseat for the 3yo. The Cosco will be easy to schlep in the stroller (eliminating the need for the wagon) and seems worth it given the 18mo’s squirminess and Katy’s warning about Air Canada’s 5point harness requirement.
Pumping question says
For those that pumped at work, how long did you stick with it? Why did you ultimately decide to stop, and did you stop gradually or all at once?
More Sleep Would Be Nice says
I started back at work 4 months PP. Went until 12 months pumping. If I’m lucky enough to have Kid #2, I don’t know if I’d do this again. Or, I’d pump 1x a day to help maintain supply and then supplement the rest. Or maybe just do it and stop at 6 months. So many options to try to maintain breastfeeding without being a slave to the pump (which I had become).
DS turned 1 on a Monday, I stopped pumping the Friday before. I dropped sessions over time, and the last session I did I pumped for 10 minutes. I should note I think my supply was pretty low by then anyway, and I dropped my before-bed pumping session when DS was 10 months – by then I had made peace and was thrilled to supplement.
Whatever you do – please be kind to yourself. I loved the nursing and “providing” aspects of breastfeeding, but pumping was really hard on me mentally and likely physically, too.
Boston Legal Eagle says
I’m on my second pumping at work experience. I’d like to wean this baby at around 9 months, so I’m planning on switching to one pump a day (I do two, and have done two since I started) sometime in the next month, and then stop pumping entirely a few weeks after that. Then just do morning and night feeds, if possible, and then stop altogether. I don’t remember the details of my first, but I think I did a similar thing where I gradually stopped, i.e. didn’t go from two pumps to no pumping.
AwayEmily says
With the first kid I stopped pumping at around 9 months. Did it gradually — dropped a session a week or so. Kept nursing day/night til 14 months. With #2 I kept pumping a few months longer because I wanted to be able to BF on a trip we were taking. It was worth it but man those extra two months were ROUGH. I really did not like pumping and the milk math stressed me out a lot. #2 is now 15 months and we are still BFing in the AM/PM, but I’m probably going to wean soon.
I echo the “be kind to yourself” sentiment. Everyone is different but for me, stopping pumping had a HUGE positive impact on my mental health, with both kids.
Anon says
I went back to work around 5 months and stopped pumping at the office around 10.5 months (we still nursed morning and night until 13 months). I never had an oversupply, so I dropped my one remaining pumping session cold turkey and didn’t have any issues. We started supplementing with formula for her remaining daytime feeds around this point because my daughter had gone through our freezer stash and I was so over pumping at the office. I was THRILLED to be done and I’ll probably wean from the pump/start supplementing sooner with our second.
Anon. says
I went back to work in November at 4 months post partum. Pumped three times a day at work until right after the first of the year. Started supplementing with formula at daycare sometime in March. Dropped to one pump a day in April. Stopped pumping completely in mid-May and used up the entire freezer stash as we moved in June and I did not want to deal with that. Just formula and solids at daycare for most of June/July. We kept nursing in the morning / at night through July and then weaned completely at 13 months.
Personally – I loved nursing and was pretty meh about pumping. Dropping the pumping sessions was pretty great for my mental health.
Anonymous says
Went back at 4 months postpartum stopped pumping at 11 months, weaned at 14 months. Super gradual, I think I did 3x/day until 7 months and then slowly dropped sessions. We supplemented with formula as I dropped sessions and I had no qualms about it.
Anonymous says
I pumped until about 7 months when my supply dropped rather suddenly due to other health issues. I had only been pumping once/day and with the supply dip it was easy to stop cold turkey without engorgement. I didn’t stop nursing and am still nursing my 16 month old DD in the mornings (recently switched from morning and night to morning only).
Pogo says
Started back at work 4mo PP. I pumped 3x a day for about a month and then was easily able to go down to 2x a day which was doable for me from a time commitment perspective and didn’t stress me out at work. I started introducing some formula and dropping sessions around 10 months, and at 11mo I was done pumping at work. I had major clog issues though, so I recall this being rather stressful to drop sessions. I also wasn’t done pumping as I had to pump on a few trips up until 13 months when kiddo decided he was done. Then he was on whole milk (he was never a huge formula fan, but loves whole milk).
Anonymous says
I’m doing this now! First kid, pumped until she was a year old. Stopped gradually- went from three times a day, to two, to one. Slowed down to a stop because I wasn’t getting much milk anymore, and she was eating more solids. Expect about the same with this kid. It is GLORIOUS to not have to take my shirt off so many times a day, and I hated doing it, but I love love nursing on weekends, so I’m willing to make the trade-off.
Doodles says
I’m doing this now. When you went to one session, did you supplement with formula? My kid will be one in a week and I went down to one session the last few weeks (due to job change not supply; was pumping 2-3 times before). I started supplementing with formula but not sure if that’s even necessary. I feed him morning/evening plus the one pumped bottle. This is the first time he’s had formula so not sure if I should just give him a few bottles of whole milk along with the pumped bottle and forget the formula. (Will ask at his one year appointment coming up).
Strategy mom says
Tried pumping at work for a month and quit cold turkey. Couldn’t balance with work without sacrificing emotionally
More Sleep Would Be Nice says
Ladies – another “How Long Did you Use…” question today. Thanks for all the feedback on PnP yesterday.
How long did your kids use…a highchair? Our high chair is one that converts into a table/chair.
DS (17 months) eats at the small table/chair at daycare but I think at home he’d probably try to wiggle around more than at school, plus we’re often feeding/helping him eat at home so would like to use as long as possible.
AwayEmily says
This will probably depend on the high chair…we have Tripp Trapps for both of our kids. The 3yo still uses hers (without the belt or anything) and we plan on keeping her in it for the forseeable future. It’s nice to have her right at the table with us. We stopped harnessing her in at around 20 months, if I recall correctly.
OP says
Those are lovely! I did not know about those until after DS was born, otherwise would have gone for that. We have a very standard Evenflo convertible highchair.
Cb says
We use a Tripp Trapp as well – at 21 months, he’s still comfortably in the harness and I’m keen to keep him contained as long as possible. We have friends whose 8 year old still sits at the tripptrapp so I like it from that perspective. I think if I had a highchair that didn’t pull all the way up to the table, I’d switch over earlier. I think sitting at the same table is really important for family mealtime.
OP says
With our schedules, we only do family mealtimes really on weekends…so not a major issue. Will see if we can pull up DS highchair, but it currently sits on a splat mat (apartment is carpeted) which is also nice for cleaning purposes.
Anonymous says
We have slightly cheaper, similar tripp trapp (Abiie Beyond) that had really good reviews from Lucies List that we like a lot. I’m not sure how it compares to the real one, but it seems great to us.
Mrs. Jones says
Our 8-year-old still sits in his tripp trapp.
Knope says
We switched to a cheap booster seat (Fisher Price I think) around that age. It’s nice to have DS sit with us at the table.
Anon. says
Same. He’s still strapped in to the booster seat, but gets to sit with us at the table.
Anonymous says
Same here.
Anonymous says
DD refused starting around 22 months and just sits in a regular chair at 25 months (she’s tall). Looking for a booster now so she’s more comfortable
Anonymous says
IKEA white plastic high chair- till about age three, when he was big enough to sit on a regular chair (but here we are at age 4 and he’s still in a lap for 90% of meals— were just trying to enjoy the snuggles while they last).
Lyssa says
An update on my recent trip – I asked last week about tips for keeping an almost 4 year old happy on an 8 hour car trip. It went great! Both ways, she played with some dolls for a while, then used her water paint book (Melissa and Doug – these things are great), then played with a few sticker/activity books (my mom got her one that had a little plastic case with markers, stickers, and pages of girly girl characters to decorate). That kept her happy until lunch, then she napped, then watched a movie on the ipad. We stopped about every 2 hours, though that was more for my parents’ sake then hers. Amazingly, I was able to get a full day of work in on both legs of the trip, and there were no meltdowns.
Also, someone suggested stomp rockets as a “big brother” present for my 4 year old nephew. Huge hit! He played with them for ages, and my sister wants to make them her go-to birthday present for his friends.
SC says
Glad the car trip went well!
Stomp rockets are definitely one of my go-to birthday presents. Also on my list for 4 year olds are walkie talkies, I Spy books, the foam pogo jumper, and laser peg junior sets (light up lego-type vehicles).
Anonymous says
Sort of prompted by the question about–how much notice would you give your daycare that your kid is leaving? Our twins have been at the same daycare since they were 8 weeks old (they’re now 2) and we love it, but it isn’t a great fit for kids over age 3, so in the fall we’re moving them to a preschool where they can stay until they go to kindergarten. Do we just tell them in August that they’ll be leaving in 2 weeks or give the director more heads up so they can fill the spots? It’s a pretty small center (17 kids), if that makes a difference.
Anonymous says
Your daycare probably has a policy about this. Both centers we used required a month notice, otherwise you’d get charged for the next month.
When we were at an in home- daycare, I gave longer notice similar to what you’re describing. Early summer told them that the kids would be moving to preschool in the fall.
anon says
+1
Anonymous says
I’ll have to double-check, but if it says anything it’s just 2 weeks notice. So I could just go with that, rather than overthinking this. :)
Govtattymom says
Did you sign a contract with your daycare? Our contract states that 30 days notice is required. Good luck with the transition!
Anon says
I would try to give at least 30 days notice if you can. I don’t think the same concerns apply here as giving notice for work, especially if your kid is leaving to go to preschool vs leaving because you’re unhappy with the care, etc.
Anonymous says
We did this exact thing. With my first, I told them in June that August would be our last month. It was sorta like resigning- they asked me why, and I had to tell them gently and sort of just ignore the (kind, we’ll intentioned) opposition (“but we have such a great preschool!”). We sent my second to the daycare for 3-36 months and she’s leaving for preschool in the fall too. We actually told them back in March because we are going to send our 3rd and I wanted to let them know all around for planning. (“A will be leaving in august to go to Lreachool but we’re looking forward to B starting this fall! Could a Sept start work?”)
anon says
What are your favorite practical baby gifts? I’m helping host a sprinkle for my sister in a few weeks. Second baby, kids are close in age, so really, she’s good to go on the big gear. I’m leaning toward a cute sleeper, diaper rash cream, her preferred body wash for the kids. Maybe a book, too? Others are taking care of diapers and wipes. I am such a classic overthinker when it comes to gifts … this really shouldn’t be hard.
Knope says
If you are looking for a “bigger” gift, consider getting her a gift card to have her car detailed, assuming she has a car. I just cleaned mine out from a road trip and let me tell you, the area underneath the kid’s carseat was DISGUSTING! Took me two hours to get the whole thing cleaned, which is not how I’d want to spend my time if I just had another baby!
Ducky36 says
What a great idea!
anon says
burp cloths? those probably got kind of gross with baby #1. idk if she is into this or when the baby is due, but matching 4th of july outfits for baby and sibling? depending on how big of an age difference between the two kids, but sippy cups or bibs if the older one is still using his/hers?
anon says
Uber Eats/ Postmate Gift Card. Best gift I got and so well received. Lets the receiver just order delivery.
Anonymous says
My sister got me a cute monthly milestone blanket for baby number 2. Also clothes if it’s a different gender. And I would highly appreciate any gift card for mani/pedi/massage. If you want practical – a humidifier. They arent cheap and at some point both kids will need one in their room on the same night. Signed – 28 weeks pregnant with our second.
anon says
Oh, that’s a really good point! Hadn’t thought about that.
Pogo says
Humidifier is a great idea! I love the Crane ones that look like animals.
anon says
or a second sound machine!
rosie says
Personalized hooded towel for baby…although maybe you don’t know the name yet (I am always getting gifts after baby is born)? That would go well with the bath soap idea you had.
Anon says
please do not get anyone this gift. i received 7 for each of my twins and a lot of them are small and they grow out of them after a year. or if you are going to get one, get the kid size and not the baby size. we also received 4 totes, and 3 stools for each twin with their and we live in an apartment. if you liek to get personalized stuff personally i think it is much better to ask the parent what they still need/want
anon says
I quit personalizing baby gifts when I started to see how much they are passed around due to their short lifespan.
Car seats for sitters? says
What to do you about car seats if you have a sitter that provides transportation for your toddler? We are considering hiring a part time nanny to help with daycare pick up and drop off, but I am getting stuck on the car seat question. Do you buy a car seat and let nanny take it in and out of her car? Is the constant removal and installation of a car seat safe? Am I over thinking this?!
anon says
You buy/obtain a seat to live in her car. If she needs to take it out to use the seat, she puts it back in. Not great to have it in and out all the time but I think it’s just how it goes. You could ask her to let you know anytime she takes it out/puts it back in so you can check her work.
Anonymous says
Yes and get one that’s easy to install. We have a Cosco spare that’s super easy.
IHeartBacon says
Yes, get a separate car seat that stays in the nanny’s car.
ElisaR says
any advice for doing weight watchers? i glimpsed myself last night while changing and went straight downstairs to sign up. Anyway I am finding it confusing. Do I need to just suck it up and prepare my own meals or only eat at chains in order to track this stuff? I don’t usually do either of those. How can I really follow this program?
anon says
The beginning “break in” period is the worst. You need to be obsessive about tracking for a while. Build recipes and favorites for the places you go often. It’s a massive time suck. Not tracking is a huge part of why I’m doing IF modified to exclude a bunch of the worst nutritional offenders when I do eat (any processed grains (rice okay, anything with flour not okay), juice, sugar, alcohol but not worrying much about fats and I’m light on fruit by nature).
ElisaR says
alcohol….. that’s going to be tough!
anon says
I know–it really is! I’m still figuring out how strict I’m going to be. Currently I’m thinking two drinks two nights per week. It definitely sets back the weight loss, though. But means I will likely stick to it longer/indefinitely.
anon says
Edited to add: I have been replacing nightly drinks with two things–knitting (keeps my hands busy) and sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime, usually in a large stemless wine glass.
anonydry says
+ 1 to replacing with sparkling water. I found that a lot of times it’s just the habit of having a fancy drink, not the actual alcohol I miss. I had to give it up rather unexpectedly (oops pregnancy), but the good side effect is that I’ve shed a few pounds I didn’t need.